Blog Keyword - Midland PaperClips - fine paper, packaging and supply systems distributor

02.21.2012

Macy's, Inc. Reports Its Third Consecutive Year of Significant Growth in Sales, Earnings and Cash Flow

Macy's, Inc. today reported its third consecutive year of significantly improved financial performance. Sales, earnings and cash flow for 2011, including the fourth quarter, exceeded management's expectations and represented continued progress as the company continues to capture market share from its competitors.

Earnings were $1.74 per diluted share for the 13-week fourth quarter of 2011, ended Jan. 28, 2012. Diluted earnings per share were $1.70 in the fourth quarter of 2011, excluding pre-tax gains of approximately $54 million ($34 million after tax or 8 cents per share) from the sale of store leases related to the 2006 divestiture of Lord & Taylor, and approximately $29 million in pre-tax expenses ($18 million after tax or 4 cents per share) primarily related to store closings announced on Jan. 4.

In the 13-week fourth quarter of 2010, earnings were $1.55 per diluted share. Diluted earnings per share were $1.59 in the fourth quarter of 2010, excluding asset impairment charges and other costs and expenses related to store closings announced in January 2011 of $25 million ($16 million after tax or 4 cents per diluted share).

Send to a Friend

02.21.2012

Neenah Paper Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results

Neenah Paper, Inc. today reported earnings from continuing operations of $0.47 per diluted common share in the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to adjusted earnings of $0.30 per share in the fourth quarter of 2010. Excluding adjustments, earnings in the fourth quarter of 2010 were $0.43 per share and included a $0.13 per share gain from the sale of a paper mill in Ripon, California.

Net sales of $165.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 grew three percent compared with the prior year period, while operating income of $13.6 million increased 36 percent from adjusted operating income of $10.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The improvement in operating income and margins in 2011 resulted from higher volumes, increased selling prices and improved manufacturing cost efficiencies.

For the full year, 2011 net sales of $696.0 million were up six percent versus the prior year, while adjusted operating income of $59.0 million grew 14 percent. Adjusted earnings per diluted common share increased 30 percent, from $1.47 in 2010 to $1.91 in 2011.

Send to a Friend

02.20.2012

Amcor announces interim profit result for six months ended 31 December 2011

Highlights: Record profit after tax before significant items of $304.7 million, up 13.9%; Significant items, primarily relating to acquisitions and restructuring activities, were an after tax expense of $99.8 million compared with an after tax expense of $41.3 million in 2011; Profit after tax and significant items was $204.9 million, down 9.4%; The negative impact from translation of overseas earnings into Australian dollars on profit after tax and before significant items was approximately $16 million; Returns, measured as underlying profit before interest and tax to average funds employed, of 15.1%.

Send to a Friend

02.20.2012

Oil Rises to 9-Month High; Iran Says Halts Europe Exports

Oil rose to a nine-month high in New York after Iran said it halted some crude exports and investors bet that fuel demand will increase as Europe moves closer to bailing out Greece.

Futures climbed as much as 1.9 percent for a fourth day of gains, the longest rising streak since December. Iran will supply crude to “new customers” instead of companies in the U.K. and France, the oil ministry’s news website, Shana, said, citing Alireza Nikzad Rahbar, a spokesman. Prices also advanced as European finance ministers prepared to meet to discuss a 130 billion-euro ($172 billion) aid package for Greece, the country’s second rescue in less than two years.

“The heightened level of tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program continues to support prices, as does satisfactory growth in the U.S. and China,” said Christopher Bellew, a senior broker at Jefferies Bache Ltd. in London, who correctly predicted last week that the price of Brent crude would advance to $120 a barrel.

Crude for March delivery rose as much as $1.97 to $105.21 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, the highest intraday price since May 5. The contract, which expires tomorrow, was at $104.92 at 11 a.m. London time. The more actively traded April contract gained $1.70 to $105.30.

Send to a Friend

02.20.2012

USPS - New business plan charts path to financial stability

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) today released an important update to its business plan for returning to profitability and long-term financial stability. While fundamentally consistent with the approach advanced by the Postal Service over the past year, the plan released today incorporates important refinements of financial projections and recommended legislative reforms.

“The plan we have developed requires a combination of aggressive cost reduction, rethinking the way we manage our healthcare costs, and comprehensive legislation to reform the business model of the Postal Service,” said Postmaster General, Patrick Donahoe. “If provided the flexibility to quickly implement this plan, we can return to profitability and better serve the American public. If not, we risk becoming a significant burden to the American taxpayer.”

At its core, the plan requires the reduction of annual costs by at least $20 billion by 2015, rising to more than $22 billion by 2016. This cost reduction is necessary given projected declines in First-Class Mail volume, which has already has dropped by 25 percent since 2006. However, the Postal Service can achieve only a portion of these reductions under current business model constraints; legislative changes are needed to achieve the full $20 billion in cost reductions.

Send to a Friend

02.20.2012

Wiley Acquires Inscape, a Leading Provider of DiSC®-Based Learning Solutions

John Wiley & Sons, Inc., announced today that it has acquired Inscape Holdings Inc., a leading provider of DiSC®-based assessments and training products that develop critical interpersonal business skills. Wiley paid $85 million to purchase all of the stock of Inscape, the majority of which are held by investment funds controlled by New York City-based Sentinel Capital Partners. The acquisition will enable Wiley to capitalize on both companies' content, assets, and relationships, enhance its global reach, and move more aggressively into digital delivery to the growing workplace learning and assessment market.

"Inscape's solutions-focused DiSC® offerings are a perfect complement to Wiley's highly respected products published under its Pfeiffer brand, such as Kouzes and Posner’s Leadership Practices Inventory®. Together we will serve a broad swath of talent professionals who in turn support managers, leaders, and teams in, corporations, government agencies, and organizations of all sizes around the world," said Jeffrey Sugerman, Inscape's chief executive officer, who is joining Wiley along with Inscape's more than 50 colleagues, as a result of the acquisition.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

UPM launches a new service for all-in-one colour and workflow management

UPM will introduce a new service UPM ColorCTRL at drupa in May. The new workflow management application is developed to support users in reaching the best possible print result on UPM Papers – each time. It is created in co-operation with market leading supply chain partners including the expertise of UPM’s technical field team, the best-in-class workflow system by Dalim Software and award-winning ColorServer technology by GMG in one application.

As a Biofore Company UPM strives for continues development and innovative solutions with added value. “UPM’s services are tailored to improve our customers’ business processes and to help them to reach their business targets – from efficiency and also environmental point of view. UPM ColorCTRL is an excellent example of this,” says Thomas Ehrnrooth, Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

UPM ColorCTRL is a web based pdf workflow management application. It is the first full turnkey solution in the market which covers the whole process from the creation of the print ready pdf page to the final colour accurate print product. It is enabled through the use of optimised paper profiles by GMG.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Ahlstrom introduces the first metalized poster paper for outdoor billboards at Fespa Digital 2012

Ahlstrom, a global high performance materials company, announced today it will launch a new metalized poster paper for outdoor billboards at Fespa Digital 2012, the largest European event for digital wide format print industry, held in Barcelona on February 21-24.

Advertising today requires companies and brand owners to continuously develop innovative marketing activities for maximum impact. Out-of-home advertising is no exception.

To help companies making their brands stand out boldly from the crowd, Ahlstrom has developed Ahlstrom ChantafficheTM Metalized, the first metalized poster paper for outdoor billboard. This new one-side coated paper provides a premium metallic effect to posters for enhanced brand image. It is a supreme medium for advertising high-end cars, watches, perfumes, beers or fashion lines.

To develop the new paper, Ahlstrom combined two unique areas of competence: expertise in base paper for metalization and know-how in blueback poster paper for optimal visual impact, easy posting and lasting stand-out.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Income statement for Södra, 2011

Södra's operating profit for 2011 fell by SEK 1,266 million to SEK 1,005 million compared with 2010. Net sales fell by SEK 1,536 million to SEK 18,191 million, primarily as a consequence of the economic downturn and weak markets over the second six months of the year, in combination with a strengthening of the Swedish krona. Return on capital employed fell to 9 per cent, compared with 23 per cent in 2010.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Arandell Corp asks - Do you have an Effective Catalog Printing Process?

If your company offers a variety of products, a simple e-mail or flyer may not be enough to successfully market your goods. Catalog printing has been used for decades as a way for business owners to bring in greater sales. Catalogs show up everywhere, from the mailbox to grocery store shelves. If you are a business owner, an effective catalog campaign can raise brand recognition and sales.

The first step in creating a great catalog is to research your target market and your business. What type of business is it? Who are the clients you wish to target? What do they look for? What do they need and want? How can you provide benefits to them? Once you know the answers to these questions, you can provide a catalog that will give your target audience what they need.

Next, you must bring all the data you researched together so it can be put into a successful marketing strategy. That leads you to your next step, which is designing the catalog.

The design and theme of your catalog must be governed by the information to be included. The information you received from the target clients should give you an idea of the level of professionalism necessary for the work. For instance, if your target market is purely corporate, you will need a very professional design. Bright colors and flashy graphics are not appropriate, because the prospects will ignore them, or at worst, won’t even look at the catalog. If you have a more general audience, a simple, easy design will be best.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Crude Oil Set for Biggest Weekly Gain This Year on U.S. Economy, Greek Aid

Oil rose for a third day in New York, heading for the biggest weekly gain this year, as signs of an improving U.S. economy and progress on a bailout for Greece bolstered the outlook for fuel demand. Brent touched an eight- month high.

West Texas Intermediate futures climbed as much as 0.6 percent today and have gained 4.1 percent this week, the most since the five days ended Dec. 23. U.S. applications for jobless payments fell to the lowest since 2008, the Labor Department said yesterday. European governments are considering cutting interest rates on emergency loans to Greece and using European Central Bank contributions to plug a financing gap for the second bailout, two people familiar with the discussions said.

“The U.S. economy is in better shape than had been feared,” Eugen Weinberg, the head of commodities research at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt, who predicts Brent crude will slide toward $110 a barrel by the end of the year. “The current price action is a liquidity and investment-driven rally on the back of U.S. economic sentiment and improving equity markets, fueled further by fears of possibly supply cutbacks.”

WTI for March delivery rose as much as 64 cents to $102.95 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $102.70 at 12:03 p.m. London time.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Colbert Installs New Flexographic Printing Press

Colbert Packaging Corporation, a leading manufacturer of folding cartons, rigid paper boxes and paperboard specialty products, today announced that it has installed a new nine-color 23-inch wide Primographic printing press, custom-built by CPS Canadian Primoflex Systems. The CPS CP 585 joins Colbert's repertoire of specialized flexographic equipment in its 45,000 square foot facility in Lake Forest, Ill., one of three Colbert manufacturing plants and the only one focused exclusively on flexographic packaging solutions and pressure-sensitive roll labels.

Colbert's CP 585 features nine print stations and has the ability to print four-color processes (4/4) on both sides of web-fed paperboard and coat in a single pass. The press provides increased format options for customers, and can print both water-based and ultraviolet inks. It also features Cold Foil and HoloCureTM technologies for producing metallic and holographic effects on package surfaces.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

USPS redesigning mail processing network based on area hubs

USPS is looking to reduce the size of its Area Mail Processing (AMP) plant network from around 461 facilities to under 200 over the next few years, and is expected to complete closure reviews in the next two weeks.

Yesterday at the latest quarterly Mailers’ Technical Advisory Committee meeting at USPS headquarters, executives said that the smaller number of surviving mail processing plants would be supported by hundreds of smaller area “hub” facilities for more localised distribution of processed mail.

These hubs could be set up in existing USPS sites that have other functions like business mail entry and retail facilities, but many are likely to be subcontracted out to distribution partners.

“It’s all being designed around efficient transportation,” said USPS vice president of network operations Dave Williams yesterday.

Details on exact plants to be closed, and which three-digit zip codes will apply to which surviving plant, are to be revealed soon after the AMP reviews are completed.

Hopes are that the overall network restructuring will take around $2.6bn in annual operating costs out of the system, with closures set to begin after the current moratorium runs out on May 15.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Orient Paper Announces Unaudited Preliminary Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2011

Orient Paper, Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of diversified paper products in northern China, today announced unaudited preliminary results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2011. The Company plans to release full financial results and file its Form 10-K on or before March 15, 2012 and will hold an earnings conference call to discuss its results.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, total unaudited revenue increased 21.6% to approximately $150.7 million from $124.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. In fiscal year 2011, the Company sold 108,174 tons and 122,320 tons of corrugating medium paper and offset printing paper, respectively, up 0.91% and 8.34% compared to fiscal 2010, respectively. In addition, the average selling prices of the Company's corrugating medium paper and offset printing paper products rose 24.93 % and 8.31 %, respectively, compared to fiscal 2010. The Company expects to report unaudited gross profit of approximately $33.0 million for fiscal year 2011, compared to $26.2 million in fiscal 2010. The Company is expecting unaudited net income to be approximately $21.5 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, up from $15.6 million, or $0.89 per diluted share, in fiscal 2010.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Twin Rivers Paper Company Simplifies Paper Selection Process

Twin Rivers Paper Company, a leader in lightweight specialty packaging, label, and publishing papers, has released a packaging swatchbook, making it easier for customers to select the right paper for their application. This swatchbook features a broad range of coated and uncoated papers designed for packaging applications that require PFOA-free grease-resistance, wet-strength, FDA compliance, printability, strength properties and recycled content. Common applications for these packaging papers include sandwich wraps, basket liners, sugar packets, print-ply for multi-wall bags, theater popcorn bags, microwave popcorn bags and much more.

The packaging swatchbook focuses on two primary brands - Acadia and Bladepak®. Acadia, an uncoated machine-finish paper is available in 15-75 lb (24x36/500) basis weights and is known for its flexibility and functionality. Acadia offers grease-resistant properties and other options ideal for waxing, extruding and laminating applications.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

West Fraser Announces Fourth Quarter Results

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. today reported earnings after discontinued operations of $6 million or $0.14 per share on sales of $650 million in the fourth quarter of 2011 and earnings after discontinued operations of $73 million or $1.47 per share, on sales of $2,762 million for 2011.

In the quarter our lumber operations generated an operating loss of $30 million (Q3 – negative $15 million) and EBITDA of negative $8 million (Q3 - $6 million). The decline in our results reflects weaker prices for lower-grade SPF lumber and wider-dimension SYP lumber and reduced shipments.

The panel segment, which includes plywood, LVL and MDF, did not generate any operating earnings in the quarter (Q3 – negative $2 million) and EBITDA of $4 million (Q3 - $2 million) as Canadian dollar plywood and MDF prices showed some improvement.

Pulp and paper operations generated operating earnings in the quarter of $13 million (Q3 - $19 million) and EBITDA of $27 million (Q3 - $36 million). Pulp prices weakened during the quarter with the NBSK benchmark averaging 7% lower than in the third quarter.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

West Linn Paper Company continues progress towards sustainability goals by achieving Climate Registered status for a third year

West Linn Paper Company achieved Climate Registered™ status by successfully measuring its carbon footprint according to The Climate Registry’s best-in-class program, then having it third party verified and reporting the data on The Registry’s website. West Linn Paper joins over 440 other leading organizations across North America in adopting a truly sustainable approach to doing business.

Measuring their carbon footprint with The Registry allows West Linn Paper Company to prepare for future regulation, identify inefficiencies and potential for cost savings, and provide real and meaningful data to their customers and shareholders about their environmental performance. It is a continued step towards reducing their energy usage, costs and carbon emissions.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

MWV’s Crescendo® Approved for Chocolate and Confectionery Packaging Market

MeadWestvaco Corporation, a global leader in packaging and packaging solutions, has its Robinson EN 1230-2 sensory analysis approval for its Crescendo® paperboard for chocolate and confectionery packaging. This analysis, required for all confectionery packaging and paperboard, tests the paperboard’s ability to maintain product quality without a trace of taint or odor from the packaging. Crescendo’s approval on the Robinson test confirms its ability to maintain product integrity and value, and provides brand owners with confidence in packaging solutions for their luxury confectionery products.

Crescendo, available with one-sided coating (Crescendo C1S) or two-sided coating (Crescendo C2S), meets the high standards of packaging seen in the European chocolate and confectionery market and is safe for direct food contact. The unique fibre-mix material and finishing process results in high stiffness and durability.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

MMP employees to stage second walk-out

Almost 150 employees at Mayr-Melnhof Packaging (MMP) in Bootle will walk out over redundancy terms for a second time this Friday.

The Austrian-owned company's 149 staff took action last week over the terms offered to staff facing redundancy and what they claim is an unfair method of selection.

On Friday and Saturday (10-11 February), employees went on strike and held a demonstration on site, while further industrial action took place from 13-15 February.

Action continues tomorrow (17 February) when employees will walk out for 24 hours, while a picket line will also be in place from 12-6pm Saturday. Further stoppages are planned between 21-27 February.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Cabela's(R) Unveils New Outpost Store Retail Initiative

Cabela's Incorporated, the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to open its first Cabela's Outpost Store, unveiling a new retail initiative that will introduce the unique Cabela's retail experience to customers in underserved markets across the United States and Canada.

Cabela's expects the first Cabela's Outpost Store, in Union Gap, Wash., a suburb of Yakima, to open in the fall of 2012. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012.

Cabela's Outpost stores, designed for efficiency, flexibility and convenience at around 40,000-square-feet, will open in markets with less than 250,000 people, bringing the same quality products and customer service for which Cabela's is famous to hometown markets too small to support Cabela's popular next-generation stores.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Cabela's(R) Announces Plans for New Stores

Cabela's Incorporated, the World's Foremost Outfitter(R) of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, announced today plans to open three next-generation stores and relocate its Winnipeg, Canada, store in 2013.

Construction is scheduled to begin on next-generation stores in Columbus, Ohio; Grandville, Mich.; and Louisville, Ky., in the summer of 2012 and Cabela's expects to open each location in spring 2013. Ranging from 80,000- to 88,000-square-feet, the stores will be built in Cabela's trademark style with an exterior of log construction, stonework, wood siding and metal roofing. Large glass storefronts will allow customers to view much of the stores' interior as they approach the building.

Cabela's next-generation layout is designed to maximize product assortment and availability while surrounding customers in the outdoor experience with wildlife and outdoor memorabilia displays. The Columbus, Grandville and Louisville stores will feature a Gun Library, Bargain Cave and Fudge Shop, among other features unique to each location.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Cabela's Inc. Reports Strong Top and Bottom Line Growth for Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2011

Cabela's Incorporated today reported record financial results for fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

For the quarter, adjusted for divestitures, total revenue increased 5.4% to $983.7 million; Retail store revenue increased 9.8% to $525.6 million; Direct revenue decreased 1.9% to $378.9 million; and Financial Services revenue increased 34.5% to $77.7 million. For the quarter, comparable store sales increased 1.7%. On a reported basis, total revenue increased 5.3% and Direct revenue decreased 2.1%. A detailed reconciliation is provided at the end of this release.

For the quarter, net income increased 25% to $75.0 million compared to $59.9 million in the year ago quarter, and earnings per diluted share were $1.06 compared to $0.86 in the year ago quarter, each excluding certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $69.8 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.99 as compared to GAAP net income of $66.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.95 in the year ago quarter. Fourth quarter 2011 results include impairment charges of $7.8 million pre-tax mostly related to economic development bonds; while fourth quarter 2010 results include a benefit of $9.2 million pre-tax.

For fiscal 2011, net income increased 24% to $150.8 million compared to $121.3 million last year, and earnings per diluted share were $2.12 compared to $1.76 a year ago, each excluding certain items. The Company reported GAAP net income of $142.6 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.00 as compared to GAAP net income of $112.2 million and earnings per diluted share of $1.62 a year ago. Fiscal 2011 results include impairment charges of $12.2 million pre-tax, while fiscal 2010 results include impairment and special charges of $13.6 million pre-tax.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Valassis Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year Ended Dec. 31, 2011

Valassis today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31, 2011. Fourth-quarter 2011 revenues were $595.3 million, a decrease of 5.7% from $631.2 million in the prior year quarter. Full-year 2011 revenues were $2,236.0 million, a decrease of 4.2% from $2,333.5 million in full-year 2010. These decreases in revenues were due primarily to the previously announced shortfall in Run-of-Press (ROP) revenues within the Neighborhood Targeted segment and reduced spending by consumer packaged goods (CPG) clients across our various business segments.

Fourth-quarter 2011 net earnings were $34.3 million, an increase of 38.2% from $24.8 million in the prior year quarter. Fourth-quarter 2011 diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.76, an increase of 61.7% from $0.47 in the prior year quarter. Fourth-quarter 2011 net earnings and diluted EPS were negatively impacted by charges in an aggregate amount of $14.0 million ($8.5 million, net of tax) and $0.19, respectively, primarily related to the restructuring of certain non-core businesses and the associated costs including write-offs of impaired assets, as well as the early termination of leases and severance costs.

Full-year 2011 net earnings were $113.4 million and full-year 2010 net earnings were $385.4 million. Full-year 2011 adjusted net earnings* were $133.5 million, which excludes debt refinancing costs, net of tax, of $11.6 million and the charges described above, net of tax, of $8.5 million. Full-year 2010 adjusted net earnings* were $98.7 million, which excludes debt refinancing costs of $14.7 million, net of tax, and litigation settlement proceeds, net of tax and related payments, of $301.4 million. Full-year 2011 adjusted net earnings* increased 35.3% from full-year 2010. Full-year 2011 diluted EPS was $2.33 and full-year 2010 diluted EPS was $7.42. Full-year 2011 adjusted diluted EPS*, which excludes a $0.41 effect from debt refinancing costs and the charges described above, was $2.74. Full-year 2010 adjusted diluted EPS*, which excludes a net effect of $5.52 from debt refinancing costs and litigation settlement proceeds, net of tax and related payments, was $1.90. Full-year 2011 adjusted diluted EPS increased 44.2% from full-year 2010.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

MediaCard – for brilliant print results

Stora Enso broadens its Graphical Board offering with MediaCard, a single layer (SL) board with a double silk coated surface. MediaCard can be used for various graphical and packaging applications which demand a remarkably high visual appearance.

“With the launch of MediaCard Stora Enso completes its Graphical Board offering for brandowners, designers, converters and printers. The high-white, bright and smooth surface of MediaCard supports excellent print results and is suitable for a wide range of graphical end uses and packaging such as covers, folders, cards, tags, tickets, posters, game cards and shopping bags”, says Jonas Pettersson, Sales Director for Stora Enso Graphical Boards Business Segment.

MediaCard is produced at Stora Enso’s Uetersen mill in Germany with a double silk coated surface on either one or two sides: MediaCard C1S is one-side double coated and offered in basis weights of 120 to 300 g/m². MediaCard C2S is two-side double coated and in 250 and 300 g/m² available.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

Nordstrom Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Earnings

Nordstrom, Inc. today reported net earnings of $236 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter ended January 28, 2012. This represented an increase of 1.7 percent compared with net earnings of $232 million, or $1.04 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.

Fourth quarter same-store sales increased 7.1 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2010. Net sales in the fourth quarter were $3.17 billion, an increase of 12.5 percent compared with net sales of $2.82 billion during the same period in fiscal 2010. Additionally, total net sales of $10.50 billion for fiscal 2011 were the highest in the company’s history and represented two consecutive years of approximately 13 percent annual growth.

Send to a Friend

02.17.2012

MOD-PAC CORP. Reports 43% Increase in Net Income on 15% Revenue Growth in 2011

MOD-PAC CORP., a manufacturer of custom and stock paperboard packaging and provider of personalized print products, today announced financial results for its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.

In the fourth quarter of 2011, revenue increased $1.8 million, or 13.7%, to $14.6 million from $12.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Each of the Company’s product lines contributed to the revenue growth. Net income was $0.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared with $0.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2010. The higher net income reflects positive leverage from higher sales, offset by negative product mix and continued raw material pricing pressures. The prior year fourth quarter includes a $178 thousand, or $0.05 per diluted share, charge for impaired asset write-downs.

Total revenue for 2011 was $56.2 million compared with $48.7 million in 2010, reflecting higher folding carton sales and improved waste sales due to a recovery in the recycling market. Net income increased 43.3% to $1.9 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, in 2011 from $1.3 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in 2010. Higher revenue along with productivity and cost reduction initiatives drove the net income increase.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

KapStone Reports Record Fourth Quarter Results

KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation today reported preliminary record results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2011.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011: Record net sales of $269 million, up 35% versus 2010; Net income of $74.2 million, up 463% versus prior year; Adjusted net income of $13.5 million, up $2.4 million, or 21% versus prior year.

For the year ended December 31, 2011: Record net sales of $906 million, up $123 million versus 2010, or 16%; Net income of $124 million, up $59 million versus prior year; Adjusted net income of $67 million, up $38 million versus prior year.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Arctic Paper announces a general price increase of 5-6% for uncoated and coated fine papers

During 2011 Arctic Paper has taken several measures to further reduce costs and increase efficiency. However, current manufacturing cost levels and cost increases for transportation and raw material make a paper price increase unavoidable.

Arctic Paper wishes to announce to its customers a price increase on all UWF and CWF paper grades, both in sheets and reels. The price increase will range from 5-6% and will differ from the current price levels per country and paper grade.

The price increase will be implemented for all markets and deliveries from 15 March 2012 will be affected.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Oil Declines From Five-Week High In New York After Greek Bailout Delayed

Oil fell from a five-week high in New York as European leaders pushed back a bailout for Greece, heightening concern that the region’s debt crisis will damage economic growth and curtail fuel consumption.

Europe’s creditor countries struggled to reach an agreement over a rescue of Greece, seeking more control over how future aid is spent as the country faces the threat of default over a bond payment due on March 20. Iran stopped crude exports to France and the Netherlands and threatened to end shipments to four other European countries, state-run Mehr reported yesterday, citing an unidentified official at the National Iranian Oil Co.

“Yet another postponement of the Greek deal is creating some risk-off” said Thorbjorn Bak Jensen, an analyst at Global Risk Management in Middelfart, Denmark. “Yesterday’s news from Iran was bullish, but not bullish enough to justify a rally. It is still rumors and speculation.”

Oil for March delivery fell as much as 78 cents, or 0.8 percent, to $101.02 and was at $101.27 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange at 10:53 a.m. London time. The contract yesterday rose $1.06 to $101.80, the highest close since Jan. 10.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Active Interest Media Buys Marine Group Assets from Source Interlink

Active Interest Media, the enthusiast publisher with titles and events in the healthy living, home buying, marine and outdoor markets, has taken over the marine group from Source Interlink Media in an asset deal.

The brands included in the transaction are Power & Motoryacht and Sail. Terms were not released, but AIM is effectively taking over the publishing of the brands in an asset deal, with a performance-based buyout down the road—a deal similar to one AIM's outdoor group did with Skram Media in June, 2010. AIM COO Andy Clurman declined to offer more details on the terms of the deal, only noting it was an asset sale, not a stock-based transaction.

Power & Motoryacht is a monthly with a circulation of almost 150,000. According to Source Interlink, its website gets about 150,000 monthly uniques. Sail, also monthly, claims a rate base of 100,000.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Mercer International Inc. Reports Record Annual Pulp Production and Energy Sales and 2011 Q4 and Year End Results

Mercer International Inc. today reported results for the fourth quarter and for the year ended December 31, 2011. Operating EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2011 was €17.0 million ($22.9 million), compared to €64.6 million ($87.8 million) in the last quarter of 2010 and €49.2 million ($69.5 million) in the third quarter of 2011.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Mondi Group makes an offer to acquire the minority interest in Mondi Swiecie S.A.

As part of the dual listed company structure, Mondi Limited and Mondi plc notify both the JSE Limited (“JSE”) and the London Stock Exchange of matters required to be disclosed under the JSE Listings Requirements and/or the Disclosure Rules and Transparency Rules and/or the Listing Rules of the United Kingdom Listing Authority.

Mondi Group has made an all cash public tender offer of PLN69.00 (EUR16.48) per share (“Offer”) for 17 million shares representing 34% of the share capital of Mondi Swiecie S.A. (“Mondi Swiecie”) that it does not already own. Mondi Swiecie is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The Offer represents a premium of 15.6% over the last three months average price of PLN59.71 (EUR14.26) and a premium of 4.1% over the last six months average price of PLN66.26 (EUR15.82).

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Publishers Score Win in International Piracy Battle

An international alliance of publishers and publishing associations has succeeded in getting a Munich court to serve cease and desist orders to the operators of two Web sites that have been illegally offering more than 400,000 copyrighted books for free. The operators, currently based in Galway, Ireland, are estimated to have earned over $10 million annually from advertising sales, donations and premium subscriptions.

According to the Association of American Publishers, the investigation took over seven months to complete and spanned seven countries. A total of 17 publishing companies filed requests for injunctions involving 170 titles. The Landgericht, a regional Munich court hearing the case, issued its order in December, but was only able to serve the injunctions on the operators of the Web site www.library.nu and www.ifile.it on Tuesday.

AAP president Tom Allen said the case is "a clear example of the complexities in dealing with international Web sites." Not only was it difficult to find the identities of the operators of the sites, but the top level domain names led as far as Italy and the Pacific island of Niue. Servers were also moved from Germany to the Ukraine. The legal action was coordinated by the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels, the International Publishers Association and the law firm Lausen Rechtsanwälte. “It’s very difficult to find solutions to piracy when [pirates] hide their identities and jurisdiction is in question,” said Maria Danzilo, legal director at Wiley Global Education (a division of John Wiley, which is one of seven AAP members who participated in the action).

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

TC Media acquires assets of Courrier Frontenac

TC Media is proud to announce that it has acquired the print and Internet publishing assets of Courrier Frontenac. With acirculation of over 22,000 copies, this weekly paper serves Thetford Mines and the surrounding area. The acquisition includes the portal www.courrierfrontenac.qc.ca, which reaches more than 25,000 unique visitors on a monthly basis, generating over 55,000 visits a month. In addition, the door-to-door distribution activities of Courrier Frontenac, which already had a partnership with TC Media to distribute Publisac to more than 22,000 households in the region, will now be entirely owned and managed by TC Media. With this acquisition, TC Media adds its first weekly paper to its existing offering in the Chaudière-Appalaches region.

Send to a Friend

02.16.2012

Vertis Communications Launches National Comic Sales Support Program

Vertis Communications, a results-driven marketing communications company, today unveiled its new turnkey National Comic Sales Support Program. Designed to make newspaper insert advertising available to more marketers, the new program will drive increased store traffic through premium placement in the highly visible comics section of the Sunday paper.

Now advertisers can capture greater attention and improve sales by adding a wrap, gatefold or slip sheet into the Sunday comics section of more than 70 newspapers in key markets across the country. From negotiating rates and managing placement to printing and delivery, Vertis’ new program will benefit newspaper advertisers wanting to increase their ROI.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Another key day for troubled St. Marys Paper

On February 14, 2012, Ernst and Young Inc., the court-appointed receiver for St. Marys Paper Corporation will make a decision on the future of the mill.

“In recent years our government has twice stepped up to support the restructuring efforts at St. Marys Paper because we are committed to protecting local jobs” said Orazietti. “Tomorrow the receiver will recommend to the court a preferred offer and begin negotiations. It is my expectation that the parties involved will consider, most importantly, the impact on workers and their families and the economic impact on the community in selecting a potential operator.”

The provincial government has made significant commitments to support St. Marys Paper Corporation.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Legal Matters : Proposed Marketplace Fairness Act Threatens Direct Marketers

On Nov. 9, 2011, a group of 10 senators from both sides of the aisle introduced the Marketplace Fairness Act, S.1832. On Oct. 13, 2011, a similar bipartisan bill was introduced in the House of Representatives called the Marketplace Equity Act.

For more than a quarter century, states have tried to convince Congress to enact legislation that would strip direct marketers of their constitutional protection from having to collect state sales taxes when delivering products to consumers in states where they have no physical presence such as retail stores, warehouses or salesmen. In landmark decisions in 1967 and again in 1992, the Supreme Court ruled that absent such an in-state physical presence — the Court referred to it as “nexus” — it would be unfair to require out-of-state retailers to collect taxes for state and local governments that provide no services to those companies in return.

The justices were especially concerned with the burdens involved in collecting taxes on behalf of thousands of sales tax jurisdictions with varying rates and requirements. However, the Supreme Court concluded in its famous 1992 Quill vs. North Dakota decision that if Congress chose to do so, it could grant the states new and expanded taxation authority over remote sellers. Since that ruling numerous bills have been introduced that would impose tax collection obligations on catalog companies and electronic merchants. None have passed, however, primarily because the proposals failed to include sufficient simplification and uniformity measures to address the disparate and confusing features of state and local sales taxes.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Oil Rises From Two-Day Low as China Pledge on Europe Counters U.S. Demand

Oil rose after China pledged to help resolve Europe’s debt crisis, easing concern that economic growth will slow and curb fuel demand. Brent crude may advance to $120 a barrel, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

Crude futures in New York increased as much as 1.1 percent. China will invest in Europe’s bailout funds, the nation’s Central Bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan said in Beijing. European Union finance ministers will today prod Greece to deliver budget cuts in exchange for a second aid package. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Iran on Feb. 13 for car bombings of Israeli diplomatic vehicles in New Delhi and the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.

“We have seen some signs of stability in the debt crisis,” said Sintje Boie, an analyst at HSH Nordbank in Hamburg, who predicts Brent crude will surpass $120 a barrel in coming weeks. “The market is all about fears of supply disruption, as we have these tensions in the Middle East and especially the conflict with Iran.”

Oil for March delivery rose as much as $1.09 to $101.83 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange and was at $101.53 at 11:27 a.m. London time. It fell 17 cents to $100.74 yesterday, the lowest close since Feb. 10.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Price increase for Koehler Thermal Papers

Papierfabrik August Koehler AG announces a price increase for thermal paper by 5% effective April 1, 2012 due to continued strong demand and high input costs. The price increase will apply to customers globally.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Increased environmental certifications for the PaperWorks Packaging Group

As part of its ongoing commitment to the environment and customers that value ecological packaging, PaperWorks today announced increased environmental certifications for its Packaging Group. The company now offers FSC and SFI certification at all its packaging locations, FSC paperboard at its Paperboard Group mills, and FSC, SFI and PEFC products at its Paperboard Group converting sites.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Abercrombie & Fitch Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2011 Results

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. today reported unaudited results which reflected net income of $19.6 million and net income per diluted share of $0.22 for the thirteen weeks ended January 28, 2012, compared to net income of $92.6 million and net income per diluted share of $1.03 for the thirteen weeks ended January 29, 2011.

The Company also reported net income of $127.7 million and net income per diluted share of $1.43 for the fifty-two weeks ended January 28, 2012, compared to net income of $150.3 million and net income per diluted share of $1.67 for the fifty-two weeks ended January 29, 2011.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

Ahlstrom achieves Registered Latex Developer certification from HP

Ahlstrom Corporation, a global high-performance materials company, has taken part in the HP Registered Latex Development Program and a wide number of Ahlstrom's poster papers and wallcover substrates have met the HP compatibility standard. After successful completion of the certification tests on different large-format HP Latex printers, Ahlstrom has been granted the certification of HP Registered Latex Developer.

Ahlstrom ChantafficheTM poster papers are used for outdoor and indoor advertising applications, including billboard and modern street furniture, such as citylight, megalight or scrolling units. Ahlstrom EasylifeTM wallcover media is used for direct printing of facing materials for wall decoration.

Send to a Friend

02.15.2012

NewPage Seeks to Amend Its Amended and Restated Superpriority Debtor-In-Possession Credit and Guaranty Agreement

NewPage Corporation announced today that it is seeking to amend its Amended and Restated Superpriority Debtor-In-Possession Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011 (the "DIP Credit Agreement"; capitalized terms referenced below are defined in the DIP Credit Agreement). Among other things, NewPage is seeking to reduce the Minimum Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA covenant and in conjunction would increase the Notes Payment Reserve. In addition, NewPage intends to obtain the flexibility for cash collateralized letters of credit to mature beyond the term of the DIP Credit Facility.

Obtaining these amendments requires consent of a certain portion of the Lenders and some of the amendments may require the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. There are no assurances that NewPage will be successful in its negotiations with the Lenders or in obtaining court approval.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Resolute Applies to Cease Trade Mercer's Offer to Acquire Fibrek

AbitibiBowater Inc., doing business as Resolute Forest Products, today announced that it applied to the Bureau de décision et de révision (Québec), the administrative tribunal with statutory jurisdiction in securities law and regulatory matters in Quebec, for an order to cease trade the proposed offer by Mercer International Inc. to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Fibrek Inc. Fibrek and Mercer announced the offer on February 10.

In its application, Resolute requested that the Bureau exercise its public interest jurisdiction to cease trade the offer on the basis, among other things, that it includes an improperly discounted and dilutive private placement of warrants and an unreasonable break fee. Resolute requested that the Bureau hear its application on an expedited basis, and will argue that these measures are unlawful and inappropriate defensive measures to Resolute's offer. On February 9, the Bureau rendered an order to cease trade Fibrek's tactical poison pill effective as of 3:00 p.m. today.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Crude Oil Rises to Three-week High as Iran Threat Counters European Debt

Oil rose to its highest in more than three weeks in New York, reversing earlier declines as concern that tensions with Iran may hinder Middle East exports outweighed debt downgrades for six European nations.

Futures rose as much as 0.7 percent, having dropped as much as 0.5 percent after Moody’s Investors Service cut the credit ratings of nations including Italy and Spain and attached a “negative” outlook to the U.K. and France. A U.S. Energy Department report tomorrow may show crude stockpiles climbed a fourth week, according to a Bloomberg News survey. Iran may respond to sanctions with “low-level provocation” such as slowing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, supporting oil prices, Standard & Poor’s said.

“We’re a little concerned about the supply side this year,” said Andrey Kryuchenkov, an analyst at VTB Capital in London. “Situations in Iran, Syria and Sudan are keeping supply jitters on the radar. Today is likely to be a quiet session, with the euro-zone debt crisis remaining the focus of attention.”

Oil for March delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange rose as much as 74 cents to $101.65 a barrel, the highest since Jan. 19, and was at $101.57 at 10:40 a.m. London time. Prices are 20 percent higher than a year ago.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc setting up new business in India

Bloomsbury Publishing today announces that it is setting up a new business in India.

Among the fastest growing economies in the world, and with a rapidly increasing population where 50 million buy English books every year, India is an excellent market for the expanding and diverse product range of Bloomsbury. It is also steadily becoming an important source of authorship and will be a significant future ebooks market.

Bloomsbury has already been operating in India for 25 years with a long standing marketing and distribution partnership with Penguin. The Group now plans to grow its presence in India by setting up a wholly owned business. This is in line with the Group's strategy to globalise and further diversify, and follows the success of the recent licensing deal for the Wisden brand in India. Bloomsbury will focus in India on exploiting the exciting growth opportunities the country offers, leveraging the strength of the Group's large range, and also developing Indian authorship and publishing programmes. The timing is good with the Indian retail chain footprint increasing rapidly, growth of on-line retailers and the country's significant future ebook readership.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Crown Continues Expansion Into China

To respond to growing demand for beverage cans in China, Crown Holdings, Inc. today announced plans to build a new two-piece beverage can plant in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Province in Southern China. With a population of 6.6 million, this prefectural city is strategically located, bordering Guangdong to the East and Yunnan to the West.

The new plant is expected to be operational by the end of Q2 2013 and have an initial annual production capacity of 750 million two-piece 33cl aluminum beverage cans. The plant will also have the ability to produce 50cl beverage cans.

Crown currently has five beverage can plants operating in China. The company expects to begin production in Putian (Fujian Province), Ziyang (Sichuan Province) and Heshan (Guangdong Province) in 2012. By mid-2013, plants in Changchun (Jilin Province), XinXiang (Henan Province) and Nanning will begin production, giving Crown eleven plants across China.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Crown to Increase Beverage Can Capacity in Malaysia

Crown Holdings, Inc., a leading supplier of metal packaging products worldwide, announced today that it will install a second two-piece beverage can line in its existing facility in Bangi, Malaysia.

The new line is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2013 and have an initial annual production capacity of approximately 650 million two-piece 33cl beverage cans. It will also be able to produce smaller diameter cans. The addition will bring the total capacity of the plant to more than 1.2 billion cans.

The Bangi facility is one of seven two-piece beverage can plants Crown operates in South East Asia. The company currently has one plant each in Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand as well three plants in Vietnam (one in Hanoi and two in Ho Chi Minh City).

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

Weitzner Lays Out His Plan for Summit Business Media

Steve Weitzner, the former CEO of Ziff Davis Enterprise, which was sold to QuinStreet just over a week ago, has been named CEO of Summit Business Media. His new job officially starts today.

Weitzner is filling in the space vacated by Andy Goodenough, who left in October, 2011. CFO Thomas Flynn had been acting as interim CEO during the search for new leadership and now moves back into his original role.

The company had gone through a chapter 11 reorganization in early 2011, emerging from that in May. Through all of that, the company shed $140 million in debt and gained new board members, including Charles McCurdy, David Nussbaum, Jason Young and Jean Clifton.

Weitzner says the reorganization is largely complete and the company, which primarily serves the financial services and insurance markets, is now "highly profitable" with revenues ballparked in excess of $70 million.

Send to a Friend

02.14.2012

TC Media acquires Les Éditions Caractère, leader in the supplemental educational publishing market in Québec

TC Media is proud to announce that it has acquired the shares of Les Éditions Caractère, the leader in the supplemental educational publishing market in Québec and publisher of bestsellers in the trade market. Les ÉditionsCaractère now joins Chenelière Éducation, the leading publisher of French-language educational resources in America, and Les Éditions Transcontinental, renowned in the market for their general interest titles and essays for a broad public. This transaction makes TC Media the top player in Quebec’s supplemental educational publishing market, accelerating its growth in this strategic niche that was already in development within the company. TC Media thus adds to its educational publishing offering and enhances its presence in the field of trade publishing.

In addition to Les Éditions Caractère’s supplemental collections, which include bestsellers such as Toute mon année, Les Incollables, Réussir son examen d’admission au secondaire and Plus de 30 tests pour réussir, the publishing house has a significant catalogue of general interest books. This catalogue is an excellent complement to the titles published by Les Éditions Transcontinental and is included in the acquisition.

Send to a Friend

Paperclips Blog | Holmen Results

View by Week:

Category:

Popular Keywords